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The hostel outreach program: assertive case management for homeless mentally ill persons
D A Wasylenki1, P N Goering, D Lemire
1Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Assertive case management significantly improved residential stability and reduced psychiatric symptoms for homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities. This program offers a humane approach to helping this challenging population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Social Work
- Public Health
Background:
- Homelessness and psychiatric disabilities present complex challenges.
- Effective interventions are needed for this vulnerable population.
- Assertive case management is a potential strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an assertive case management program for homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities in Toronto.
- To assess the program's impact on residential stability, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, social networks, and service utilization.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 59 clients admitted to the program was assessed.
- Data were collected for the nine months preceding program entry and nine months after.
- The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Scale for Level of Functioning were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in residential stability and reductions in psychopathology.
- Social functioning and social network size also showed significant positive changes.
- Clients utilized basic support services during the initial nine months of the program.
Conclusions:
- The assertive case management program proved successful in improving outcomes for psychiatrically disabled homeless individuals.
- The findings highlight the importance of trained personnel in delivering effective care.
- This approach offers a humane and effective method for treating a difficult-to-reach patient population.